Warsaw Bans Animal Circuses!

The capital of Poland, Warsaw, has officially banned the use of trained animals in traveling circuses, following similar bans made in the Polish cities of Wroclaw in the west and Slupsk in the north.

Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz stated the ban will be held in place by denying city permits to any circuses who use animals in their shows, although it does not apply to private circuses or events organized on private property. She stated:

“We want to set a good example of good relations between man and animal. The use of animals for entertainment purposes has been stirring ever-greater controversy not just in Poland but all over the world.”

While the announcement falls short of addressing zoos and animals used for entertainment on private property, it is still a step in the right direction, and will hopefully lead to more cities and countries following suit!